DELTA, BC, Dec. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - Following breaking ground on its CAD$280 millionGCT Deltaport Intermodal Yard Reconfiguration project in Port Metro Vancouver, GCT Canada has confirmed the order of two high-efficiency "megamax" ship-to-shore ("STS") cranes from the industry's largest crane manufacturer, Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. ("ZPMC"). Boasting a 23+ container wide outreach, the STS cranes will be capable of handling the largest vessels in service worldwide. Upon commissioning, the state-of-the-art cranes will be among the largest in the Americas, standing over 137 metres (450 feet or 45 stories) high, with a lift capacity of 65 tonnes (145,600 pounds).

The megamax cranes ensure GCT Deltaport is big ship ready, complementing a rail densification project that will see intermodal yard capacity grow by over 50% within the existing footprint. While all GCT terminals are already individually Green Marine certified, these new cranes will further support our commitment to sustainability. Outfitted with LED lighting, the electric cranes also feature high-efficiency regenerative drives, minimizing impact on the environment and surrounding communities.

"As ZPMC's first customer outside China, GCT has a long-standing relationship with the company," stated Mr. Qizhong Liu, Senior Vice President of ZPMC. "Working together with the expansion team and its vendors, these megamax cranes equip GCT Deltaport to provide the highest waterside productivity for the carriers they serve."

"This order complements our existing fleet of 10 ZPMC post-Panamax cranes at GCT Deltaport, and coupled with our rail expansion, ensures our readiness to service the largest ships coming to Vancouver in 2017," said Eric Waltz, President of GCT Canada.

The cranes will be delivered fully erect in late 2016 and will be fully operational in early 2017. To learn about the project, visit www.globalterminalscanada.com to view the project videos.

About GCT Global Container Terminals Inc.Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, GCT Global Container Terminals Inc. operates four Green Marine certified terminals in two principal North American ports. Through GCT USA on the East Coast, the company operates two award-winning facilities: GCT New York on Staten Island, NY and GCT Bayonne in Bayonne, NJ. On the West Coast, GCT Canada operates two gateway terminals: GCT Vanterm and GCT Deltaport in Vancouver and Delta, BC. Visit www.globalterminals.com to find out more about GCT.

About Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. is a well-known, leading company in heavy-duty equipment manufacturing, with 8 production bases located in Shanghai. ZPMC has a fleet of 22 ships from 60,000 to 100,000 DWT to deliver their products around the world, including large scale port container and bulk material handling machinery. ZPMC quayside container and rubber-tyred gantry cranes account for 70% of the world's market share and are found in 86 countries and regions.